A memorial service for Charles J. Brydon of Warroad, MN will be held Wednesday, February 12th, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Helgeson Funeral Home in Warroad, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Charles Joseph Brydon passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 3rd, 2025, at age 65 following a courageous 2 ½ year battle of small cell lung cancer that metastasized to both his brain and pancreas. His positive attitude and love for his family kept him strong and fighting longer than doctors expected.
Charlie was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on October 5th, 1959, to James E. Sr and Roberta A. (Dubel) Brydon. He was welcomed home by older brother and sister James and Debbie. Sister Lizabeth S. DeMario joined the family 4 years later. He was raised in the Frederick, Maryland area.
In 1978, unable to find work in Maryland, he moved to Minot, ND, where his brother Jim was stationed in the Air Force. He worked several places in Minot while he lived there, ending with Minot Dental Lab where he was a dental technician.
In August of 1979 Charlie met the love of his life, Jodi Lakoduk, and following their first date he proceeded to tell anyone who would listen that he was going to marry her. The first time he met Jodi’s Grandma she asked them both when they were getting married with Jodi replying, “Grandma I have to finish school first!”. They were married November 1st, 1980, in Granville, ND. The couple made their home in Minot where they had their three children: John in 1981, Chrystalyn in 1983, and Michael in 1985. In July of 1988 Charlie entered treatment at St Joseph’s Hospital in Minot for alcoholism where he fought the insurance company to stay in treatment because his sobriety was that important to him. July 2023, he celebrated 35 years of sobriety and had 36 ½ years of sobriety at the time he passed away.
In July of 1989 he and his family were in Warroad on vacation where he applied at Marvin Windows and Doors. Charlie started work at Marvin Windows the end of August 1989 and worked there for 33 years before his retirement. After they moved to MN he & Jodi started a family tradition where everyone in the family had to be home for supper on Sunday. Charlie insisted this tradition continue even during his fight with cancer! It has continued to include not only the kids but the Grandkids and Great Grandkids as well as friends. Charlie excitedly took advantage of the college courses that Marvin offered where, after 5 years of night school, he earned his AAS Degree in Supervisory Leadership, graduating in the spring of 2004. Charlie enjoyed his time working at Marvin Windows and genuinely cherished all the friendships and people that he worked with over the years.
Charlie loved his family with all his heart and cherished every moment he got to spend with his family and friends. He enjoyed spending time in nature (especially kayaking with his grandkids), woodworking, and sailboats. He also collected rocks and geodes and snowmen that he proudly displayed around his home.
Charlie always chose to see the good in everyone.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 44+ years Jodi; daughter Paige Long of Leesburg, GA, son John (Dawn) Brydon of Warroad, MN, daughter Chrystal (Josh) Bernard of Roosevelt MN, and son Michael (Nicole) Brydon of Roseau MN, brother Jim Brydon of Maryland and sister Debbie Bielata of Kansas. He is also survived by Grandchildren Blake (Skye) Evans, Chase (Cheyenne) Knight, Hannah (Colyn Wilson) Knight, Brianna Brydon, Katelynne (Ty Alten) Brydon, Zachary Brydon, Ben Rehm, Alexis Bernard, Draven Bernard, Austyn (Kate Dahl) Bourman, Hannah (Chay Reierson) Bourman, Moryah Bourman, Emma Vickaryous, Theryn Brydon, Stephan Brydon. And Great Grandchildren Briley Evans, Lily Evans, TJ Knight, Oliver Knight and Willow Alten as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Roberta A DeMario, sister Lizabeth S DeMario, nephew J. Channing DeMario, In-Laws Nyla and George Campbell, Elger Lakoduk, brother-in-law Randy Lakoduk.
Last modified: 02/06/2025
